Missouri GOP Congressman, Senate hopeful and All Round Science Whiz Todd Akin says rape victims don't need access to abortion, which anyway he opposes, because, "From what I understand from doctors...if it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down." Yes. Really. He said that. He also said that even if "that didn't work or something," there should be punishment for the rapist, "not attacking the child." He later backtracked slightly, saying he "misspoke," has "deep empathy" for the tens of thousands of women raped each year, and believes his responsibility is to "protect the most vulnerable in our society," including "the unborn." This man, who also opposes the school-lunch program, is running for national office. At last count, he was said to be leading against his opponent Sen. Claire McCaskill. We can't decide what's worse: the level of ignorance; the fact that someone exhibiting this level of ignorance, and a willingness to deny a basic right and choice to half the race on the basis of it, is part of our national political landscape; or the fact that he's leading. So many things to freak out about, so little time.

Update: Inside the appalling history of the GOP theory of "God's Little Shield," whereby women who are raped don't get pregnant, and a look at Akin's spiritual mentor, who believes rape victims who seek abortions are "hysterical." OMG/WTF?!

Update2: Just in case any of you remain unclear on where these guys stand: A leak from the GOP reveals a rabid anti-abortion platform, with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Further

Academics are increasingly, ingeniously fighting back against an Orwellian "Professor Watchlist" aimed at exposing "radical" teachers. The list has inspired online trolls to name their own suspects - Albus Dumbledore, Dr. Pepper, Mr. Spock - and a Watchlist Redux to honor not trash targets from Jesus to teachers daring to "think critically about power." Now 100 Notre Dame professors have asked to join the list in solidarity, proclaiming, "We wish to be counted among those you are watching."